A

David

Darling

obstetrics

Obstetrics is the care of women during pregnancy, delivery, and the puerperium (6-week period following birth). Obstetrics is a branch of medicine and surgery usually linked with gynecology. Antenatal care and the avoidance or control of risk factors for both mother and baby – anemia, toxemia, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, venereal disease, frequent miscarriage, etc. – have greatly contributed to the reduction of maternal and fetal deaths. The monitoring and control of labor and birth, with early recognition of complications; induction of labor and the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage with oxytocin; safe forceps delivery and cesarian section, and improved anesthesia are important factors in obstetric safety. Asepsis has made puerperal fever are rarity.